My theory of teaching includes teaching students mathematics in way that they can learn it, understand it, and apply it. Learning is hard work and sometimes painful when it is done right. I try not to hand everything to the students but make them reach for what ever level of success they want (as long as it meets my minimum requirements...) In my F2F classes I am all about students taking responsibility for their education. I make everything accessible but they have to do the "heavy lifting".
I think my theories translate quite easily to an online environment. For the first time in my teaching career, I have included an online portion to my classes. They are required to complete journals and wikis on a regular basis and I offer "Stat Chats" before major assessment where they can ask me any last minute questions. Again, I make everything accessible but they have to go online, they have to complete the assignments, they have to show up for the chat. Most have risen to the new challenges. Reflective statements about my teaching:
I do a lot for my students maybe too much but, expect a lot from them as well.
I like to try new things especially new technology.
I want all of my students to succeed.
I am a good teacher who still strives to be a great teacher Critically evaluate your personal beliefs and attitudes on teaching.
All students can learn. Unfortunately that statement has morphed into "All students can learn [algebra], [calculus]..." I truly believe that my students can learn but not at the same level of success and not all mathematics. Eventually they hit a wall. I tell my students and their parents that it's okay. We're not all meant to be mathematicians.
I love to teach. It is an amazing moment when I see them "get it" or when after a lot of hard work, they are successful on an assessment. Being in the classroom with my students is the highlight of each day. I enjoy that part of my job and look forward to it each and every day.
There is of course a down side. Many students aren't doing enough. Many feel entitled. They don't complete homework. They don't do anything without points attached. For them, school is not about learning but about the grade. To combat this switch in focus, I've changed the way I calculate my grades. I'm not sure that it is working but I try each and every day.
I most value the relationshops that I build with my students. Through the course of a school year, I help them tear down the walls that they put up around learning math. I show them that they can be successful and they feel good about that. They may never be an engineer or physicist, but they are able to find success in high school mathematics. Many of my students still keep in touch. It's a nice connection to have.
I am concerned that such relationships can be forged online. I'm not convinced that my nerdy, silly personality will shine through in my posts. That will be a problem for me because I use that to get them to lower their defences against math. I am sure I can keep the posts "light" but, I'm not sure I will be able to lower those walls.
I think my theories translate quite easily to an online environment. For the first time in my teaching career, I have included an online portion to my classes. They are required to complete journals and wikis on a regular basis and I offer "Stat Chats" before major assessment where they can ask me any last minute questions. Again, I make everything accessible but they have to go online, they have to complete the assignments, they have to show up for the chat. Most have risen to the new challenges.
Reflective statements about my teaching:
I do a lot for my students maybe too much but, expect a lot from them as well.
I like to try new things especially new technology.
I want all of my students to succeed.
I am a good teacher who still strives to be a great teacher
Critically evaluate your personal beliefs and attitudes on teaching.
All students can learn. Unfortunately that statement has morphed into "All students can learn [algebra], [calculus]..." I truly believe that my students can learn but not at the same level of success and not all mathematics. Eventually they hit a wall. I tell my students and their parents that it's okay. We're not all meant to be mathematicians.
There is of course a down side. Many students aren't doing enough. Many feel entitled. They don't complete homework. They don't do anything without points attached. For them, school is not about learning but about the grade. To combat this switch in focus, I've changed the way I calculate my grades. I'm not sure that it is working but I try each and every day.
I most value the relationshops that I build with my students. Through the course of a school year, I help them tear down the walls that they put up around learning math. I show them that they can be successful and they feel good about that. They may never be an engineer or physicist, but they are able to find success in high school mathematics. Many of my students still keep in touch. It's a nice connection to have.
I am concerned that such relationships can be forged online. I'm not convinced that my nerdy, silly personality will shine through in my posts. That will be a problem for me because I use that to get them to lower their defences against math. I am sure I can keep the posts "light" but, I'm not sure I will be able to lower those walls.